Golfers support junior talent

Waikato professionals David Smail (left) and Steve Alker, with Josh Geary, won the Kirkwood Cup in the HSBC NZ PGA golf championship at Clearwater, Christchurch. Smail and Alker came through the Waikato's junior golf development programme.

Waikato golfers will be out in force to support junior golf in a couple of weeks.

For the first time, the Riverside Golf Club's Lochiel course will host the event.

This year the fundraising tournament will be sponsored by Prodrive Golf, Hamilton Radiology and Midland MRI on October 11.

The Ambrose format tournament, played in teams of four, will have a maximum handicap limitation of 24.

Waikato Golf Association chief executive Lee Patchett says the long-running tournament has raised thousands of dollars to ensure Waikato junior golfers received the best attention as they developed their skills.

One guaranteed entry for the tournament will be SmartTrade's Allan Smith. The former Waikato representative was one of many players to benefit from the association's programme which tool promising golfers under its wing.

He has never missed the tournament since its inception 25-odd years ago. This year he plans to sponsor two teams.

Allan, with brother Gordon, was responsible for promoting the tournament in its early years when it was played at the then Park International course as 'The Joseph Coutts Classic'.

After a long history at Park International, the tournament moved to the Hamilton Golf Club for many years and this year will make its debut at the Lochiel course.

To enter the tournament call 849 1328 or email lee@waikatogolf.co.nz